Introduction: The Market Nobody Thinks About—Until Their Shipment Gets Held
Australia is often the last market importers research. The US, the EU, and the UK dominate compliance conversations. Then an Australian buyer places an order and suddenly you discover that Australia has its own mandatory certification system, its own electrical safety registration, and a biosecurity inspection process unlike any other major market.
The good news: adult products are legal in Australia, and the requirements—while unique—are well-defined. The bad news: RCM compliance is not self-declared like CE. You need an Australian-based responsible supplier, and your manufacturer’s existing CE or FCC test reports alone are not sufficient.
This guide covers every requirement specific to importing adult wellness products into Australia.
Part 1: RCM—The Certification Most Importers Miss
The Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) is Australia’s combined certification covering both electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility. It is mandatory for all electronic products sold in Australia.
What RCM Covers
RCM combines two independent government schemes:
| Scheme | Agency | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| EESS (Electrical Equipment Safety System) | State electrical safety regulators | Product must be electrically safe |
| ACMA labelling | Australian Communications and Media Authority | Product must not cause electromagnetic interference |
How RCM Differs from CE
CE is a manufacturer’s self-declaration. RCM requires:
- An Australian-based Responsible Supplier registered with EESS
- Test reports from an ILAC-MRA accredited laboratory (FCC and CE test reports from accredited labs may be used)
- Registration of the product in the EESS national database
- The RCM mark physically affixed to the product or packaging
Key distinction: You cannot simply put an RCM mark on your product and call it compliant. There must be a registered Australian entity behind the mark. For most importers, this is either the buyer themselves or a compliance agent they hire.
AS/NZS 62368.1:2026—The New Standard
In April 2026, Standards Australia published AS/NZS 62368.1:2026, the latest safety standard for ICT and AV equipment. This standard applies to electronic devices including those with Bluetooth, USB charging, and embedded controllers—which covers most adult electronic products.
What to ask your manufacturer: “Are your products tested to AS/NZS 62368.1:2026, or an equivalent IEC standard accepted under the RCM framework?”
Part 2: EESS Registration
Electrical equipment sold in Australia must be registered under the Electrical Equipment Safety System. Products are classified into three risk levels:
| Level | Description | Registration Process |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Low risk (most simple electronic products) | Manufacturer self-declaration |
| Level 2 | Medium risk (products with heating elements, motors above certain thresholds) | Registration with a recognized external certification body |
| Level 3 | High risk (products that pose serious safety hazards) | Full certification by an accredited body |
Most adult wellness products—rechargeable vibrators, remote-controlled devices—fall under Level 1 or Level 2, depending on motor power and charging specifications.
Your buyer’s responsibility: The Australian importer must be registered as a Responsible Supplier with EESS. If your buyer is not registered, they need to address this before the shipment arrives.
Part 3: Customs, GST, and the $1,000 Threshold
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Australia applies a 10% GST on imported goods. The key threshold:
| Declared Value | GST Treatment |
|---|---|
| Under AUD $1,000 | Generally exempt from GST and customs duties at the border (except alcohol and tobacco) |
| Over AUD $1,000 | GST (10%) + applicable customs duties |
For B2C sellers shipping directly to Australian consumers: if your annual turnover to Australia exceeds AUD 75,000,youmustregisterforAustralianGSTandcollectitatcheckout.Belowthisthreshold,the1,000 exemption generally applies.
For B2B wholesale: the $1,000 exemption applies per shipment. Wholesale orders typically exceed this threshold and incur GST.
Customs Declaration
Recommended HS Code: 9019.10.20 — Vibrating massage apparatus
Product description: “Electric personal massager” or “Personal wellness device”
Same principle as other markets: use the correct customs terminology. The product is legal. The words on the form determine which inspection queue your shipment enters.
Part 4: Biosecurity—The Inspection Nobody Mentions
Australia has one of the world’s strictest biosecurity regimes. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry inspects imported goods for biosecurity risks.
What this means for adult products:
- Silicone products must be clean, sealed, and free of organic residue
- Used or soiled products will be destroyed
- Packaging materials (wood pallets, straw filling) must meet ISPM 15 standards
- Products with animal-derived materials (leather, certain lubricants) require additional documentation
How to prepare: Ensure products are factory-sealed, individually wrapped, and shipped in clean packaging. Inform your freight forwarder that the shipment contains silicone personal care products so they can declare it appropriately for biosecurity screening.
Part 5: The Documentation Checklist
| Document | Required For |
|---|---|
| RCM compliance evidence (test reports + responsible supplier registration) | All electronic products |
| EESS registration confirmation | All electronic products |
| CE or FCC test reports (from ILAC-MRA accredited lab) | Supports RCM application |
| UN38.3 battery test report | Products with lithium batteries |
| MSDS | Products with batteries |
| Commercial Invoice with correct HS code and AUD declared value | All shipments |
| Packing List | All shipments |
| Biosecurity declaration (if required by forwarder) | Products that may trigger inspection |
Part 6: What If Your Buyer Handles RCM?
In many cases, the Australian buyer will handle RCM registration themselves—they are the Responsible Supplier in-country. This is common for B2B wholesale transactions.
If your buyer tells you they handle compliance on their end, ask them to confirm:
- They have an active EESS registration as a Responsible Supplier
- They can accept your manufacturer’s CE/FCC test reports for RCM application
- They understand the AS/NZS 62368.1:2026 standard update
Your role as the seller is to provide complete test documentation so the buyer can complete their RCM registration without delays.
Conclusion: Plan for RCM Before You Ship
Australia is worth the effort. It has high per-capita spending on adult wellness products, English-language markets, and relatively stable import regulations. But RCM is not something you can address the week before your shipment arrives.
Work with your manufacturer to prepare test reports early. Confirm your buyer’s EESS registration status. Budget 2–4 weeks for the RCM registration process. A shipment that arrives without the RCM mark and the responsible supplier behind it will be held at the border.
At AmorSerere, we provide CE, FCC, and RoHS test reports from accredited laboratories—the documentation your Australian buyer needs for their RCM application. If you are sourcing adult wellness products for the Australian market, make sure your manufacturer can do the same.
Related Reading
- Import Regulations: US, EU, UK & Australia (Full Comparison)
- EU Import Guide: CE, RoHS, REACH & WEEE
- UK Import Guide: CE, UKCA, VAT & Post-Brexit Rules
Last updated: July 11, 2026
